Never Too Old to Learn

At 90, Dr. Gertrude Webb is discovering the joy of Jewish learning.

A few minutes before 2 pm, I sit waiting for the phone to ring. Dr. Gertrude Webb is wide awake at 7am Boston time and calls me from across the ocean to study Torah. This is not her first Torah study appointment of the day. At 6:30am, this 90-year-old learns with her oldest son. In addition to these two daily sessions, she often has a weekly study partner.

More than 80 years ago, long before she discovered the joy of learning Torah, Gertrude saw children taunting a disabled classmate who was behind in school, and took upon herself the task of tutoring her friend, discovering the thrill of teaching. That's when she decided to devote her life to helping others learn and grow.

After raising six children with her husband, Dr. Webb embarked on a campaign to help children with dyslexia more easily reach their potential, founding the Program for Advancement in Learning at Curry College and the Webb International Center for Dyslexia. She taught teachers how to help their students discover and value their unique learning styles and abilities.

However, Dr. Webb had an unfulfilled desire to connect to her Jewish heritage. One day, she mentioned that she had never really learned how to read all the Hebrew letters. Starting Hebrew School at age ten, she was thrust into a class which was already reading, and just caught on as best she could.

The Great Depression put an end to her formal Jewish education, but not her desire to learn.

Three years later, at age 13 in 1929, the Great Depression hit America. When the Hebrew School teacher told the students to remind their parents to pay tuition, Dr. Webb went home never to return. She was not about to ask her father, who was working overtime to prevent the family from starving, for tuition to Hebrew School –what she considered a definite luxury. That day was the end of her formal Jewish education, but not her desire to learn.

Now, at age 90, not embarrassed to use a fourth grade Hebrew grammar workbook, she studies diligently and her reading and understanding skills have improved phenomenally. "Age is not a factor," she says. "It's a matter of concentration and motivation." A few weeks ago, she told me how delighted she was to be able to read the Bible for the first time in Hebrew. We recently celebrated our first completion of the Book of Genesis with a trans-Atlantic l'chaim.

My pleasure is mixed with boundless admiration, gratitude and love. In addition to being my study partner, Dr. Webb is my mother!

My daily learning sessions with my mom have deepened my appreciation and admiration of her efforts to grow as a Jew. And she is not the only one gaining from our partnership. I have been inspired by her example and her desire to continue growing and learning. And it's my first time going through the Bible slowly enough to concentrate on each word. Sometimes we just stick to grammar review, reading, translating, and discussing topics and ideas that come up. Elucidating basic Jewish concepts as they are connected to the text has shown me the unity and depth of Torah and its commentaries. On other days we also catch up on daily goings on and share stories and feelings about our lives. I am discovering things I never knew about my mom.

One day, after my mom thanked me profusely for learning with her, I was struck with the realization that I was, in fact, giving back only a little bit of what my mother had given me. As a small child, my mother told me about her grandfather for whom I was named. Zaidy, as she called him, was unaffected by his move from Lithuania to America. When his grandchildren invited him to the cinema to see the movies, Zaidy responded that he didn't need the cinema. He said that he had the Talmud, and that that was more interesting. Growing up, I didn't know what the Talmud was, but I knew it was more interesting than films. This was possibly the first beginning of my search for Jewish knowledge and understanding. Now we have come full circle. That which my mother had given me, I was returning to her.

My mother and I are experiencing the power of learning Torah together and how it can transform even the closest relationship. Our souls are deeply connecting and we helping each other grow spiritually.

If you don't know somebody in your own family with whom you can grow and learn, you can find yourself an ideal study partner through Partners in Torah.

Visitor Comments: 14

Mom is simply amazing ( and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree).

Hi,Devorah! I just now discovered this piece you wrote almost 4 years ago. Great job! Keep up the great works!
WLY
zvi et als.

(13)
Nechama Burnham,
April 23, 2007 6:04 AM

Finally--the great kiruv enthusiast and motivator goes on-line!

Many of us--and not all ba'alei teshuva--(correct that--I do fervently hope we are all ba'alei teshuva!) have benefited from Devora Eisenbach's spirited direction of Jewel programs and from her warm welcoming smile, her genuine love for all Jews and her infectious excitement with bringing everyone in reach closer to Torah. We're so happy to see this debut article and are looking forward to more--like some of the homespun wisdom Devora has imparted to us--in her mother's name, no less! If you need help recollecting, Devora, give me a call--I'd love to see some of your truisms on-line!

(12)
Jibly Eli,
March 20, 2007 4:54 AM

A ballistic weapon of mass knowledge.

I have rediscovered the joy of Jewish learning but I'm an air rifle in comparison.You are a ballistic weapon of mass knowledge. Dear lady you are an inspiration to us all, a divine quality.

(11)
chana sharfstein,
March 13, 2007 5:54 AM

Tremendously inspiring article-beautiful relationship of mother and son

Your article is indeed an inspiration for us all- seniors and youth, parents and children. The relationship that develops between student and teacher is enriching, the often unexpected dividend of teaching. this article focused on the mother and son relationship; however the kernel of that special connection exists between every student and teacher and should be brought to the foreground. I loved your comments on how your own understanding and love of Torah is increasing through your teaching sessions with your mother. What a great zchus/blessing for both of you- to be able to develop your relationship on an additional level. Best wishes for Good Health to your dear mother and may she continue to grow in her knowledge of Torah.

(10)
Anonymous,
March 7, 2007 6:59 PM

Anything that makes her happy, makes me happy. Best wishes, Uncle George

(9)
Irv Frumberg,
March 7, 2007 3:26 AM

Age Has No Bearing on What You Can Learn

To those of you young ones in your teens and into your twenties, learning and knowledge gives you a great chance to possibly find out how to lead a fuller, more productive and enjoyable life.

To those of you in your thirty to forty plus years, learning and knowledge gives you a chance to stay in or possibly figure out how to change the situations you are presently caught up in that provide limited satisfaction.

To those of in your fifty to sixty plus years, learning and knowledge lets you contemplate on where you have been and if it was worth it, and if not, the changes that still could be made.

To those of you in your seventy or even eighty plus years, or still older, it draws out many memories, good and bad of this present life, which has given an individual such as myself who only recently became fully aware of being able to remember most all of my past experiences, and to finally realize the different lifestyles, and dreams of others that are out there, and those who are about to go through and experience the many trials and tribulations of their present lives. If truly desired they can acquire the knowledge to still change or improve their lives.

I have never been afraid of dying or of death. I always knew and thought it was part and only the end of this present game of life. I have been shot at, and shot back, heard the bombs exploding around me, jumped from helicopters on to the desert grounds of the Sinai, and when my feet touched the sands, it felt I had been there before within another life time, and I absorbed the energy from it.

I had been involved in many fights and battles, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I have loved and I've been loved. At times I felt I had my heart torn from me. Through my many involvements in this present game of life, I even went through the suicidal stage and was just about there, till something or someone opened my eyes and my mind in realizing my obligations, responsibilities and love for the ones that were still involved in my life.

I did not experience a happy childhood and had no formal education in my Judaism or any of the other religions. I had to learn how to confront and taste the many facets and faces of this life without the knowledge that is now available in today's market of available learning materials through cyber space. I am now able to come back, and again become a member of the tribe that I tried to hide from.

Was it that I was to impetuous and adventurous to stop and consider the consequences of what I was doing in getting myself involved within life itself?

I have won a few of my confrontations, but at times lost everything, not just the material things I acquired, but some of the ones and places that had been so very close to my heart and soul.

My body is tired, as well as my mind with all the experiences and adventures I have lived through. But until He sees fit to release me. I will continue to learn, absorb, care, love, and be involved in this present life of mine.

I have learned that you should try to make the right decisions in your lives, but if not and you do make mistakes, take responsibility for your choices and for all the chaos you might have caused for yourself and to those who have been close to you.

You're next time around if permitted; hopefully you will have learned more and will be a better individual than what you have been, and be able at the end of it all to be engulfed into-----according to those ancient mystical and possible magical words: "The Or Ain Sof," and in the English translation -- "The Infinite Light of the Creator."

(8)
raye,
March 7, 2007 12:52 AM

Gam Ani

I began studying Torah in 1975 at the age of fifty-six when I moved to Borough Park. The attempts in my childhood to learn were interrupted by moves from one address to another.In Borough Park I went to every shiur I could find but basically I was selftaught. To read and understand the Chumash, I turned, not to the English translation, but to the Esperanto one written by Ludwig Zamenhof!!

(7)
agnes csato,
March 5, 2007 12:25 PM

IÂ´ma surviver of the H. never had the opp.to learn

I would love to know about the Torah, our jewish school was closed during the War and we were sent home. Then I lost all my opp. to learn. Now IÂ´m 75 and am compl.ignorant in that field

(6)
Judy Shackell,
March 5, 2007 5:38 AM

As a non Jew I find your stories inspiring! Gives the soul/spirit hopei

(5)
Lois Wasserman,
March 4, 2007 7:32 PM

I found this story to be inspiring, as at my age, I have to continue my studies.

I found this piece so inspirational, as thia Jewish lady has learned Hebrew, Torah, Talmud(?) in an informal setting. Yes, another point I would like to make is that she is a true Jew, a person who helps those who need help.

(4)
Rev. Linda I. Shalom,
March 4, 2007 1:32 PM

I am inspired by Gertrude's diligence. March 4, 2007

No doubt, keeping and maintaining your joy and health in this world is a full time job...Thanks to Dr. Gertrude Webb, now I can clearly see that beauty has no age limit !

(3)
Joey,
March 4, 2007 9:37 AM

Very well written

I liked the twist in the middle of the article. :-) May you and your mother continue to grow closer to each other and to God.

(2)
Carol Anderson,
March 4, 2007 7:08 AM

Good example

I identify with this.

(1)
Anonymous,
March 4, 2007 5:34 AM

Great story, great organization!

I was so excited reading this story! It is NEVER too late to start learning Torah! I became frum when I was in my late 50's, and also had never learned all my letters in Sunday School; though living in Eretz Yisrael had taught me to speak fluently and to write badly, I never was comfortable reading Hebrew. I would love to find the Grammar books your mother used, the ones from grade school.

I was hooked up with Partners in Torah, and my wonderful chavrusa (study partner) and I completed Sefer Shemos (Exodus), had a siyyum, and have just completed the first Parsha in Sefer Vayikra (Leviticus)! She too says that the slow word-by-word reading and interpretation has been beneficial to her, and it certainly has helped me in so very many ways!

I wish you and your mother continued success and joy in your learning, and may it continue for many fruitful years! Tizku l'mitzvot! And a Freilachen Purim!

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...